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The Best Bread Pudding
You know, the best bread pudding has a way of making everything feel cozy and warm. There is something about that soft, custardy goodness dripping with a sweet sauce that just feels like a hug in dessert form. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a gathering with friends, this recipe brings people together. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
What Is Bread Pudding?
Bread pudding is a classic dessert that combines stale bread with a creamy custard mixture. It’s a great way to use up leftover bread (hello, no waste!). This dessert is often flavored with vanilla, cinnamon, or even nutmeg, making it delightful. It’s baked until it’s golden brown and slightly crisp on top while remaining soft and gooey inside. It’s a perfect match for ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce, making it the ultimate comfort food.
Ingredients Overview for Bread Pudding
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up the best bread pudding. Feel free to mix things up according to your taste or what you have on hand!
- Bread: About 6-8 cups of day-old bread. Use French or brioche for a sweeter flavor. If you have plain sandwich bread, that works too!
- Milk: 3 cups of whole milk. You can substitute with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
- Eggs: 4 large eggs to create that rich custard texture.
- Sugar: 3/4 cup of granulated sugar. Brown sugar gives a deeper flavor if you have it.
- Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons for that sweet, aromatic touch.
- Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon to spice things up a bit. Add more if you’re a cinnamon lover!
- Butter: 4 tablespoons, melted. It adds richness; you can swap with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Bread Pudding
Now let’s get right into it. Making this bread pudding is easier than you think!
- Prep the Bread: Cut your bread into bite-sized cubes and let them sit out overnight, or lightly toast them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until dry.
- Make the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon.
- Combine: Gently fold the bread cubes into the custard mixture until every piece is soaked. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the bread to soak in all that creamy goodness!
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish and pour the mixture in. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until it’s puffed and set.
- Cool and Serve: Let it cool for a few minutes. Serve warm with a drizzle of cream or your favorite sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Bread pudding is super versatile! You can serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a spoonful of whipped cream. For a twist, drizzle some caramel sauce or a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top. If you want something a bit fruity, some berries on the side would be delightful. Honestly, however you serve it, it’s going to be a hit!
Tips For The Perfect Bread Pudding
- Let it Soak: Don’t rush the soaking process. The longer the bread sits in the custard, the better the texture.
- Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground cinnamon can make a world of difference.
- Experiment with Add-Ins: You can toss in chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits for added flavor and texture.
- Bake Until Just Set: Overbaking can make it dry. It should have a slight jiggle when you take it out.
- Cool Before Serving: Let it sit for a bit to let the flavors meld and for easier slicing.
Q&A Section
Can I use any type of bread?
Absolutely! While brioche or challah is preferable for a richer flavor, any bread works. Experiment with different loaves based on your preference.
What can I do if I don’t have enough stale bread?
No worries! You can toast fresh bread in the oven for a bit to dry it out, which will work just fine.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Just reheat it gently in the microwave or oven.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything, cover it, and refrigerate it before baking. Just make sure to let it sit at room temperature for a bit before putting it in the oven.
Why You’ll Love It
You are going to adore this bread pudding! It’s comforting and reminds you of family gatherings and warm kitchens. Plus, it’s super easy to make and flexible in terms of ingredients. You can make it your own, and the rich flavor will keep you coming back for more every time.
Behind The Scenes
When I was developing this recipe, I initially overbaked my first batch — yikes! It became a bit too dry, but that led me to realize the secret was in the soaking time. I also toyed with adding different spices, and cinnamon quickly became my go-to. Learning through trial and error made the final recipe feel so rewarding, and it’s now one of my favorites. If you want to see more of my kitchen endeavors, come check out my Pinterest page at MyRecipeCast. Happy baking!
Bread Pudding
Ingredients
Bread and Dairy
- 6-8 cups day-old bread French or brioche for a sweeter flavor; plain sandwich bread is acceptable.
- 3 cups whole milk Can substitute with almond or oat milk for dairy-free version.
Custard Mixture
- 4 large eggs For rich custard texture.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar Brown sugar gives a deeper flavor.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract For aromatic flavor.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon Add more if you love cinnamon!
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted Can swap with coconut oil for dairy-free option.
Instructions
Preparation
- Cut the bread into bite-sized cubes and let them sit out overnight or lightly toast them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until dry.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon.
- Gently fold the bread cubes into the custard mixture until every piece is soaked. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes.
Baking
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish and pour the mixture in.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until it’s puffed and set.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
